Marcin Horbowicz
@uwm.edu.pl
Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Department of Plant Physiology, Genetics and Biotechnology
University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Plant Science
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Wiesław Wiczkowski, Marian Saniewski, Agnieszka Marasek-Ciołakowska, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Joanna Mitrus, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
The accumulation and composition of anthocyanins in leaves of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana, detached and kept for five days under natural light conditions, were investigated. The presence of fifteen derivatives of cyanidin, petunidin, and delphinidin was found. Changes in the content of each anthocyanin in the leaves before and after exposure to light on the abaxial (naturally upper) and adaxial (naturally lower) sides of the leaves were compared. When the adaxial side was exposed to light, the anthocyanin contents of the leaves did not change. In contrast, when the abaxial side of detached leaves was exposed to light, there was enhanced accumulation of delphinidin-rhamnoside-glucoside, cyanidin-rhamnoside-glucoside, cyanidin-glucoside-glucoside, and two unknown derivatives of petunidin and delphinidin. Application of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) on the abaxial side exposed to light inhibited the accumulation of these anthocyanins. This effect could probably be due to the presence of these anthocyanins in the epidermal cells of K. blossfeldiana leaves and was visible in the microscopic view of its cross-section. These anthocyanins were directly exposed to JA-Me, leading to inhibition of their formation and/or accumulation. The lack of significant effects of JA-Me on anthocyanin mono- and tri-glycosides may indicate that they are mainly present in the mesophyll tissue of the leaf.
Agnieszka Marasek-Ciołakowska, Michał Dziurka, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Urszula Kowalska, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Marcin Horbowicz, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Kensuke Miyamoto, Junichi Ueda, and Marian Saniewski
Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie
The effect of N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA, 5.0%, w/w in lanolin) on the growth of Solidago canadensis (Canadian goldenrod) stem was studied, focusing on histological analyses, comprehensive analyses of phytohormones and polar metabolites. NPA substantially induced stem swelling at and above the application site and stimulated vascular cambium activity around the area of its application. The cambial zone in the swelling part of the stem was twice as wide as that treated with lanolin only (control). The proliferation of cambial cells increased xylem production and, consequently, vascular bundle thickness. A significant enlargement of parenchymatous pith cells and an increased diameter of the pith were also observed. Comprehensive phytohormone analyses revealed that NPA increased the content of indole-3-propionic acid, indole-3-acetic acid, and indole-3-acetyl-aspartic acid in the swelling part of the stem, as well as trans-zeatin riboside. These results suggest that NPA-induced stem swelling depends on the dynamics of changes in aux-in and cytokinin metabolites. Furthermore, the contents of monosaccharides (glucose, fructose and galactose) as well as malic, succinic, fumaric acids, cyclitols and quinic acid derivatives in-creased markedly in the swelling stem. This may indicate that the site of NPA-induced stem swell-ing is a physiological sink for polar metabolites needed for the growth of this tissue. Thus, it seems that auxins, in interaction with cytokinins, regulate the strength of the sink, controlling the transport of polar metabolites into the swelling part of S. canadensis stem.
Lesław B. Lahuta, Ryszard J. Górecki, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
Plant species are sensitive to stresses, especially at the seedling stage, and they respond to these conditions by making metabolic changes to counteract the negative effects of this. The objectives of this study were to determine carbohydrate profile in particular organs (roots, hypocotyl, and cotyledons) of common buckwheat seedlings and to verify whether carbohydrate accumulation is similar or not in the organs in response to cold stress and dehydration. Roots, hypocotyl, and cotyledons of common buckwheat seedlings have various saccharide compositions. The highest concentrations of cyclitols, raffinose, and stachyose were found in the hypocotyl, indicating that they may be transported from cotyledons, although this needs further studies. Accumulation of raffinose and stachyose is a strong indicator of the response of all buckwheat organs to introduced cold stress. Besides, cold conditions reduced d-chiro-inositol content, but did not affect d-pinitol level. Enhanced accumulation of raffinose and stachyose were also a distinct response of all organs against dehydration at ambient temperature. The process causes also a large decrease in the content of d-pinitol in buckwheat hypocotyl, which may indicate its transformation to d-chiro-inositol whose content increased at that time. In general, the sucrose and its galactosides in hypocotyl tissues were subject to the highest changes to the applied cold and dehydration conditions compared to the cotyledons and roots. This may indicate tissue differences in the functioning of the protective system(s) against such threats.
Lesław B. Lahuta, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Karolina Stałanowska, Marcin Horbowicz, Ryszard J. Górecki, Viorica Railean, Paweł Pomastowski, and Bogusław Buszewski
MDPI AG
Cyclitols, such as myo-inositol and its isomers and methyl derivatives (i.e., d-chiro-inositol and d-pinitol (3-O-methyl-chiro-inositol)), are classified as osmolytes and osmoprotectants and are significantly involved in plant responses to abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity and cold. Moreover, d-pinitol demonstrates a synergistic effect with glutathione (GSH), increasing its antioxidant properties. However, the role of cyclitols in plant protection against stresses caused by metal nanoparticles is not yet known. Therefore, the present study examined the effects of myo-inositol, d-chiro-inositol and d-pinitol on wheat germination, seedling growth and changes in the profile of soluble carbohydrates in response to biologically synthesized silver nanoparticles ((Bio)Ag NPs). It was found that cyclitols were absorbed by germinating grains and transported within the growing seedlings but this process was disrupted by (Bio)Ag NPs. Cyclitols applied alone induced sucrose and 1-kestose accumulation in seedlings slightly, while (Bio)Ag NP doubled the concentrations of both sugars. This coincided with a decrease in monosaccharides; i.e., fructose and glucose. Cyclitols and (Bio)Ag NPs present in the endosperm resulted in reductions in monosaccharides, maltose and maltotriose, with no effect on sucrose and 1-kestose. Similar changes occurred in seedlings developing from primed grains. Cyclitols that accumulated in grain and seedlings during grain priming with d-pinitol and glutathione did not prevent the phytotoxic effects of (Bio)Ag NPs.
Henryk Dębski, Joanna Mitrus, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Marian Saniewski, and Marcin Horbowicz
Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie
The present study describes changes in fatty acid (FA) composition in Ginkgo biloba leaves subjected to senescence and to senescence induced by methyl jasmonate (MeJA). Green leaves were treated with MeJA in lanoline on the abaxial or adaxial side of the leaf blades. After three weeks of treatment, leaf blades and petioles were collected separately for FA analyses. Additionally, petioles and leaf blades were sampled for analyses before the experiment and after 6 weeks when leaf senescence was occurring. Linolenic (C18:3) and palmitic (C16:0) acids appeared to be the quantitatively most abundant FA in leaf blades and petioles of G. biloba. Both leaf senescence and that induced by MeJA caused a decrease in unsaturated FA content, especially linolenic (C18:3). However, the decrease in C18:3 acid in both leaf blades and petioles was greater when MeJA was applied to the abaxial side than when it was applied to the adaxial side of leaves or during senescence. At the same time, saturated FA content increased, resulting in a significant decrease in the ratio of total unsaturated to saturated FA. Since leaf fatty acids occur mainly as components of cell membranes, changes in their composition may have a crucial effect on membrane function and stability, as pointed out in the discussion of the results.
Marian Saniewski, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Agnieszka Marasek-Ciołakowska, Joanna Mitrus, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Lesław B. Lahuta, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Kensuke Miyamoto, Junichi Ueda, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
Accumulation of anthocyanins in detached leaves and in excised stems of Kalanchoë blossfeldiana kept under natural light conditions in the presence or absence of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) was investigated. When the abaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the adaxial surface (the normal or natural position) under natural light conditions, anthocyanins were not accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. In contrast, when the adaxial surface of detached leaves was held lower than the abaxial surface (inverted position), anthocyanins were highly accumulated on the abaxial side of the leaves. These phenomena were independent of the growth stage of K. blossfeldiana as well as photoperiod. Application of JA-Me in lanolin paste significantly inhibited anthocyanin accumulation induced on the abaxial side of detached leaves held in an inverted position in a dose-dependent manner. Anthocyanin accumulation in the excised stem in response to natural light was also significantly inhibited by JA-Me in lanolin paste. Possible mechanisms of anthocyanin accumulation on the abaxial side of detached K. blossfeldiana leaves held in an inverted position under natural light conditions and the inhibitory effect of JA-Me on this process are described. The accompanying changes in the content of primary metabolites and histological analyses were also described.
Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Karolina Stałanowska, Katarzyna Głowacka, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
The phytotoxicity of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to plant seeds germination and seedlings development depends on nanoparticles properties and concentration, as well as plant species and stress tolerance degrees. In the present study, the effect of citrate-stabilized spherical Ag NPs (20 mg/L) in sizes of 10, 20, 40, 60, and 100 nm, on wheat grain germination, early seedlings development, and polar metabolite profile in 3-day-old seedlings were analyzed. Ag NPs, regardless of their sizes, did not affect the germination of wheat grains. However, the smaller nanoparticles (10 and 20 nm in size) decreased the growth of seedling roots. Although the concentrations of total polar metabolites in roots, coleoptile, and endosperm of seedlings were not affected by Ag NPs, significant re-arrangements of carbohydrates profiles in seedlings were noted. In roots and coleoptile of 3-day-old seedlings, the concentration of sucrose increased, which was accompanied by a decrease in glucose and fructose. The concentrations of most other polar metabolites (amino acids, organic acids, and phosphate) were not affected by Ag NPs. Thus, an unknown signal is released by small-sized Ag NPs that triggers affection of sugars metabolism and/or distribution.
Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Karolina Stałanowska, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
The use of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) on plants is accompanied by the occurrence of Ag+ ions, so the research of the effects of both on plants should be related. Therefore, in our study, the effects of Ag NPs suspension (containing Ag0 at 20 mg/L) and AgNO3 solutions (with the concentration of Ag+ ions at 20 and 50 mg/L) on the seed germination and early seedling growth (4 days) of pea (Pisum sativum L.) were compared. Both Ag NPs and AgNO3 did not decrease seed germination, and even stimulated seedling growth. In seedlings developing in the Ag NPs suspension, an increase in monosaccharides, homoserine and malate was noted. In the next experiment, the effect of short-term seed imbibition (8 h) in AgNO3 at elevated concentrations, ranging from 100 to 1000 mg/L, on the further seed germination, seedling growth (in absence of AgNO3) and their polar metabolic profiles were evaluated. The seed imbibition in AgNO3 solutions at 500 and 1000 mg/L reduced seed germination, inhibited seedlings’ growth and caused morphological deformations (twisting and folding of root). The above phytotoxic effects were accompanied by changes in amino acids and soluble carbohydrates profiles, in both sprouts and cotyledons. In deformed sprouts, the content of homoserine and asparagine (major amino acids) decreased, while alanine, glutamic acid, glutamine, proline, GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid) and sucrose increased. The increase in sucrose coincided with a decrease in glucose and fructose. Sprouts, but not cotyledons, also accumulated malic acid and phosphoric acid. Additionally, cotyledons developed from seeds imbibed with AgNO3 contained raffinose and stachyose, which were not detectable in sprouts and cotyledons of control seedlings. The obtained results suggest the possible disturbances in the mobilization of primary (oligosaccharides) and presumably major storage materials (starch, proteins) as well as in the primary metabolism of developing seedlings.
Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Katarzyna Głowacka, Karolina Stałanowska, Viorica Railean-Plugaru, Marcin Horbowicz, Paweł Pomastowski, and Bogusław Buszewski
MDPI AG
Changes in the metabolome of germinating seeds and seedlings caused by metal nanoparticles are poorly understood. In the present study, the effects of bio-synthesized silver nanoparticles ((Bio)Ag NPs) on grains germination, early seedlings development, and metabolic profiles of roots, coleoptile, and endosperm of wheat were analyzed. Grains germinated well in (Bio)Ag NPs suspensions at the concentration in the range 10–40 mg/L. However, the growth of coleoptile was inhibited by 25%, regardless of (Bio)Ag NPs concentration tested, whereas the growth of roots gradually slowed down along with the increasing concentration of (Bio)Ag NPs. The deleterious effect of Ag NPs on roots was manifested by their shortening, thickening, browning of roots tips, epidermal cell death, progression from apical meristem up to root hairs zone, and the inhibition of root hair development. (Bio)Ag NPs stimulated ROS production in roots and affected the metabolic profiles of all tissues. Roots accumulated sucrose, maltose, 1-kestose, phosphoric acid, and some amino acids (i.e., proline, aspartate/asparagine, hydroxyproline, and branched-chain amino acids). In coleoptile and endosperm, contrary to roots, the concentration of most metabolites decreased. Moreover, coleoptile accumulated galactose. Changes in the concentration of polar metabolites in seedlings revealed the affection of primary metabolism, disturbances in the mobilization of storage materials, and a translocation of sugars and amino acids from the endosperm to growing seedlings.
Lesław Bernard Lahuta, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
The metabolic re-arrangements of peas (Pisum sativum L.) under soil drought and re-watering are still not fully explained. The search for metabolic markers of the stress response is important in breeding programs, to allow for the selection drought-resistant cultivars. During the present study, changes in the polar metabolite content in pea plant shoots were measured under repeated short-term soil drought and subsequent re-watering. A gas chromatograph, equipped with a mass spectrometer (GC-MS), was used for the metabolite profiling of pea plants during their middle stage of vegetation (14–34 days after sowing, DAS). The major changes occurred in the concentration of amino acids and some soluble carbohydrates. Among them, proline, γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), branched-chain amino acids, hydroxyproline, serine, myo-inositol, and raffinose were accumulated under each soil drought and decreased after re-watering. Besides, the obtained results show that the first drought/re-watering cycle increased the ability of pea plants to restore a metabolic profile similar to the control after the second similar stress. The accumulation of proline seems to be an important part of drought memory in pea plants. However, confirmation of this suggestion requires metabolite profiling studies on a broader spectrum of pea cultivars.
Marcin Horbowicz, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Kensuke Miyamoto, Junichi Ueda, and Marian Saniewski
MDPI AG
The present study clarified changes in the contents of polar metabolites (amino acids, organic acids, saccharides, cyclitols, and phosphoric acid) in leaf senescence in Ginkgo biloba with or without the application of methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) in comparison with those in naturally senescent leaf blades and petioles. The contents of most amino acids and citric and malic acids were significantly higher in abaxially, and that of myo-inositol was lower in abaxially JA-Me-treated leaves than in adaxially JA-Me-treated and naturally senescent leaves. The levels of succinic and fumaric acids in leaves treated adaxially substantially high, but not in naturally senescent leaves. In contrast, sucrose, glucose, and fructose contents were much lower in leaf blades and petioles treated abaxially with JA-Me than those treated adaxially. The levels of these saccharides were also lower compared with those in naturally senescent leaves. Shikimic acid and quinic acid were present at high levels in leaf blades and petioles of G. biloba. In leaves naturally senescent, their levels were higher compared to green leaves. The shikimic acid content was also higher in the organs of naturally yellow leaves than in those treated with JA-Me. These results strongly suggest that JA-Me applied abaxially significantly enhanced processes of primary metabolism during senescence of G. biloba compared with those applied adaxially. The changes in polar metabolites in relation to natural senescence were also discussed.
Marcin Horbowicz, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Kensuke Miyamoto, Junichi Ueda, and Marian Saniewski
MDPI AG
The present study compared the effects of natural senescence and methyl jasmonate (JA-Me) treatment on the levels of terpene trilactones (TTLs; ginkgolides and bilobalide), phenolic acids, and flavonoids in the primary organs of Ginkgo biloba leaves, leaf blades, and petioles. Levels of the major TTLs, ginkgolides B and C, were significantly higher in the leaf blades of naturally senesced yellow leaves harvested on 20 October compared with green leaves harvested on 9 September. In petioles, a similar effect was found, although the levels of these compounds were almost half as high. These facts indicate the importance of the senescence process on TTL accumulation. Some flavonoids and phenolic acids also showed changes in content related to maturation or senescence. Generally, the application of JA-Me slightly but substantially increased the levels of TTLs in leaf blades irrespective of the difference in its application side on the leaves. Of the flavonoids analyzed, levels of quercetin, rutin, quercetin-4-glucoside, apigenin, and luteolin were dependent on the JA-Me application site, whereas levels of (+) catechin and (−) epicatechin were not. Application of JA-Me increased ferulic acid and p-coumaric acid esters in the petiole but decreased the levels of these compounds in the leaf blade. The content of p-coumaric acid glycosides and caffeic acid esters was only slightly modified by JA-Me. In general, JA-Me application affected leaf senescence by modifying the accumulation of ginkogolides, flavonoids, and phenolic acids. These effects were also found to be different in leaf blades and petioles. Based on JA-Me- and aging-related metabolic changes in endogenous levels of the secondary metabolites in G. biloba leaves, we discussed the results of study in the context of basic research and possible practical application.
Henryk Dębski, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Joanna Szablińska-Piernik, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
The effects of elicitors on broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. Italica) and radish (Raphanus sativus L.) sprouts were evaluated. Seeds and then sprouts were soaked daily for 30 min over 6 days in water (control) or a mixture of FeEDTA and sodium silicate or sodium silicate alone. The contents of the flavonoids and phenolic acids (free, esters, and glycosides) were determined using HPLC-ESI-MS/MS. Phenolic compounds were released from the esters after acid hydrolysis and from the glycosides using alkaline hydrolysis. Quercetin, kaempferol, (‒)-epicatechin, naringenin, apigenin, and luteolin derivatives were found in broccoli and radish sprouts, while derivatives of iso-rhamnetin, orientin, and vitexin were not present at measurable levels. The flavonoid contents, especially derivatives of quercetin, were considerably higher in the broccoli sprouts than in the radish sprouts. The quantitatively major phenolic acid content in the sprouts of both species was found to be p-hydroxybenzoic acid. Its content in the radish sprouts was several times higher than in the broccoli sprouts. The total flavonoid content of broccoli sprouts was 507–734 µg/g DW, while that of the radish sprouts ranged from 155 µg/g DW to 211 µg/g DW. In contrast, total phenolic acids were higher in radish sprouts, ranging from 11,548 to 13,789 µg/g DW, while in broccoli sprouts, they ranged from 2652 to 4527 µg/g DW, respectively. These differences resulted radish sprouts having higher antioxidant activity compared to broccoli sprouts. The applied elicitors increased the content of the total phenolic acids and the antioxidant activity of radish and broccoli sprouts, while they decreased the level of the total flavonoids in broccoli sprouts.
Henryk Dębski, Wiesław Wiczkowski, and Marcin Horbowicz
MDPI AG
Seven-day-old sprouts of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris L.), and alfalfa (Medicagosativa L.) were studied. The legume seeds and then sprouts were soaked each day for 30 min during 6 days with water (control) or mixture of Fe-EDTA and sodium silicate (Optysil), or sodium silicate (Na-Sil) alone. Germination and sprout growing was carried out at temperature 20 ± 2 °C in 16/8 h (day/night) conditions. Phenolic compounds (free, ester, and glycosides) content were determined by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS using a multiple reaction monitoring of selected ions. Flavonoids and phenolic acids were released from their esters after acid hydrolysis and from glycosides by alkaline hydrolysis. The presence and high content of (−)-epicatechin (EC) in fenugreek sprouts was demonstrated for the first time. Applied elicitors decreased the level of free EC in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts but enhanced the content of its esters. Besides, elicitors decreased the content of quercetin glycosides in lentil and fenugreek sprouts but increased the content of quercetin and apigenin glycosides in alfalfa sprouts. The applied elicitors decreased the glycoside levels of most phenolic acids in lentil and p-hydroxybenzoic acid in fenugreek, while they increased the content of this acid in alfalfa. The mixture of iron chelate and sodium silicate had less effect on changes in flavonoid and phenolic acid content in legume sprouts than silicate alone. In general, the used elicitors increased the content of total phenolic compounds in fenugreek and alfalfa sprouts and decreased the content in lentil sprouts. Among the evaluated elicitors, Optysil seems to be worth recommending due to the presence of iron chelate, which can be used to enrich sprouts with this element.
Henryk Dębski, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Dorota Szawara-Nowak, and Marcin Horbowicz
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Sprouts of various plant species are recognised as an important source of protein, mineral, dietary fiber, and vitamins in the human diet [Benincasa et al., 2019]. Germination has been reported to increase the macroand microelements availability and also to significantly reduce the phytic acid content [Mbithi-Mwikya et al., 2000; Sokrab et al., 2012]. Compared with the seeds of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), the sprouts have a much higher content of phenolics [Kim S.-L. et al., 2004; Kim S.-J. et al., 2008; Kreft, 2016; Wijngaard & Arendt, 2006]. They are also rich in flavonoids representing several classes, i.e. flavonols, flavones, flavan-3-ols, and anthocyanins [Wiczkowski et al., 2014], and in phenolic acids [Horbowicz et al., 2015]. Buckwheat sprouts also contain derivatives of trans-cinnamic acid and benzoic acid [Wiczkowski et al., 2016], while rapid accumulation of phenolic compounds is observed during their growth [Kim et al., 2008; Koyama et al., 2013; Terpinc et al., 2016]. Elicitation is a method that effectively increases the accumulation of secondary metabolites in plants [Baenas et al., 2014; Horbowicz et al., 2015; Park et al., 2017, 2019; Ruiz-Garcia & Gómez-Plaza, 2013]. Biotic elicitors have been
Marcin Horbowicz, Marcin Horbowicz, and Henryk Dębski
Polish Society for Magnesium Research
Magdalena Szwed, Joanna Mitrus, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Henryk Dębski, and Marcin Horbowicz
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
AbstractThis study was conducted to determine if common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) residues affect a phenolics composition in soil, and are effective for limiting emergence, growth and metabolic changes in barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli (L.) P. Beauv.), wild oat (Avena fatua L.), yellow foxtail (Setaria pumila Schult.), silky windgrass (Apera spica-venti L.), catchweed bedstraw (Galium aparine L.), scentless mayweed (Matricaria inodora L.), and tiny vetch (Vicia hirsuta L.). In the study, the residues of 14-day-old buckwheat plants were used (cv. Hruszowska). After removal of the above-ground parts, the buckwheat root residues (BRR) remained in the soil for an additional 7 days before the weeds were sown. For comparison, under the same cultivation conditions, the effect of entire buckwheat plant residues (BPR) in soil was assessed. BPR and BRR in the soil caused a decrease in the emergence of all weed species except the tiny vetch. The growth of barnyard grass, wild oat, yellow foxtail, catchweed bedstraw, and scentless mayweed was inhibited by BRR, but not BPR. BRR had a particularly strong inhibitory effect on the growth of scentless mayweed (SM) and catchweed bedstraw (CB). Thirty-day-old SM and CB control plants were about 4 and 3.5 times higher, respectively, than plants growing in the presence of BRR. Furthermore, chlorophyll and carotenoid contents in the barnyard grass and catchweed bedstraw were more prominently reduced by BRR than BPR. Stressful conditions caused by buckwheat residues in the soil increased the level of phenolic compounds in the tissues of weeds examined. Soil with buckwheat residues contained a low level of phenolic compounds, which may indicate their slow release from the residue or rapid utilisation by microorganisms. These phenolic compounds probably cannot be directly responsible for allelopathic inhibition of weed emergence and growth.
Marcin Horbowicz, Marcin Horbowicz, and Joanna Mitrus
Polish Society for Magnesium Research
Magdalena Szwed, Joanna Mitrus, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Henryk Dębski, and Marcin Horbowicz
Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Previous studies have shown that residues of common buckwheat roots (BRR) (but not entire common buckwheat plants, BPR) in the soil inhibited the growth of barnyardgrass (Echinochloa crus-galli L.). The objective of the study was to determine how both the residues affect the content of free phenolics, their esters and glycosides in the soil. The aqueous extracts were used to analyse of unbound phenolic compounds, while those bound to the soil were extracted with sodium citrate. Moreover, an in vitro test was used to assess the allelopathic effect of phenolic compounds present in the soil against barnyardgrass. Among the analysed phenolic compounds after 7 days of BPR and BRR decomposition, only ortho-, metaand para-coumaric acids and apigenin were found in measurable amounts in the soil. The concentrations of free phenolic compounds were very low. Much higher contents occurred for the esters of these compounds, while no glycosides were found. The contents of phenolic compounds bound to soil were many times higher than unbound ones. The 37-day decomposition period resulted in an increase in bound phenolics, while the content of unbound changed slightly. Overall, the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil with the BRR-amended soil and no-buckwheat residue control were low, and significantly higher in the soil with BPR. An in vitro test showed that m-, p-coumaric acids and apigenin added to growth medium at a concentration higher than in the soil did not affect barnyardgrass shoot growth. Since the levels of phenolic compounds in the soil containing BRR and control soil were low and similar, phenolic compounds cannot be directly responsible for the allelopathic properties caused by the presence of BRR.
Magdalena Szwed, Wiesław Wiczkowski, Dorota Szawara-Nowak, Ralph L. Obendorf, and Marcin Horbowicz
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Wiesław Wiczkowski, Justyna Góraj-Koniarska, Marian Saniewski, and Marcin Horbowicz
Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie
We examined the response of maturing tomato fruit exposed for 7 days to fluridone (1-methyl-3-phenyl-5-[3-trifluoromethyl(phenyl)]-4(1H)-pyridinone). Fluridone was applied in lanolin paste in the form of a 2–3 mm wide strip from the top to the base of the fruit. As a control, a similar stripe of lanolin was applied in the same way on the opposite side of the same fruit. The content of major carotenoids, as well as flavonoids, and free and bound phenolic acids were determined using a HPLC and HPLC-MS-MS methods. Fluridone almost completely blocked the biosynthesis of lycopene and substantial declined content of ß-carotene and lutein in the tomato fruit. The fluridone caused a decreased content of quercetin, rutin and naringenin, and increased level of epicatechin. The herbicide did not affect the content of p-coumaric acid, but reduced the level of caffeic acid, both free and ester form, and declined the content of free ferulic and chlorogenic acids. Changes in phenolics composition observed for the first time indicate that fluridone interferes with the biosynthesis of further products of the metabolism of p-coumaric acid, both flavonoids and phenolic acids.
Anna Grzesiuk, Henryk Dębski, Katarzyna Oknińska, Danuta Koczkodaj, Magdalena Szwed, and Marcin Horbowicz
Uniwersytet Przyrodniczy w Lublinie
The response of radish seedlings (Raphanus sativus L. subvar. radicula Pers.), as non-target plant, to various doses of glyphosate applied to root zone was studied in the experiment. The glyphosate was used at concentrations 0.1, 0.5 and 2.0 mM, and the study was conducted on seedlings grown in hydroponic cultures in controlled light and temperature conditions. In the experiment, roots of seedlings were exposed to glyphosate for 4, 7 or 14 days. In order to evaluate the effect of glyphosate, length and biomass of the seedling organs, as well as contents of anthocyanins in hypocotyls and cotyledons have been measured. Glyphosate applied to root zone had considerably higher impact on the growth of the primary root than shoot of radish seedlings. Short-term exposure to glyphosate led to the stimulation of growth and biomass organs of the radish seedling, but such treatment had no effect on the contents of anthocyanins in the cotyledons and hypocotyl. However, after longer exposure to glyphosate a decrease of anthocyanins content in the hypocotyl and its increase in the cotyledons was noted.
Marcin Horbowicz, Henryk Dębski, Magdalena Szwed, Danuta Koczkodaj, and Józef Klocek
Polish Botanical Society
We examined the response of common buckwheat (<em>Fagopyrum esculentum</em> Moench) seedlings, as a nontarget plant, to various doses of glyphosate applied to the root zone or to the shoots. Glyphosate was used at 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM concentrations. The study was conducted on seedlings grown in hydroponic cultures under controlled growth conditions. Primary root and shoot growth, anthocyanin and photosynthetic pigment contents were measured to assess the effects of exposure to glyphosate. Glyphosate applied to shoots had a considerably higher impact on the growth of primary roots and shoots of seedlings. Low glyphosate concentrations produced an increase in anthocyanin content of hypocotyls, regardless of the mode of its application. Increasing the concentration of glyphosate applied to the root zone resulted in a gradual increase in anthocyanin content in cotyledons. Our overall results show that in hydroponically grown common buckwheat seedlings, glyphosate is less phytotoxic when applied to the root zone than when applied to the shoot. Low doses of glyphosate applied to the root zone stimulate root and shoot growth and increase the anthocyanin levels in cotyledons. The phytotoxicity of glyphosate was decreased in the absence of mineral nutrients in the root zone of buckwheat seedlings.
Ewa Ciska, Marcin Horbowicz, Maria Rogowska, Ryszard Kosson, Natalia Drabińska, and Joanna Honke
Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Abstract In comparison with other cruciferous vegetables, horseradish has rarely been the object of scientific research, and the knowledge about the composition, content and distribution of glucosinolates (GLS) in different organs of horseradish plants is limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate changes in the GLS content in leaves and roots of four horseradish landraces during the growing season. The presence of 13 GLS was determined in the examined horseradish tissues, and glucoraphanin, glucoraphenin and napoleiferin were noted for the first time in the species. During the growing season, the content of individual GLS changed significantly. The rate and direction of these changes varied across the examined landraces and plant organs. In the leaves, between May and June, the content of sinigrin, the main GLS in all horseradish landraces, decreased in Bavarian (40%) and Hungarian (11%) horseradish, increased (22%) in Creamy horseradish, whereas in Danish horseradish, the difference was not significant. Despite the changes observed in the first two months, the highest content of sinigrin was noted in July in all horseradish landraces. During the growing season (August-October), the content of sinigrin fluctuated in the roots of Creamy and Danish landraces, reaching the highest level in October and September, respectively, whereas in the roots of Hungarian and Bavarian landraces, sinigrin concentrations continued to increase and peaked in October. Changes in the content of other, minor GLS during the growing season often differed from those noted in sinigrin levels.